Circuit Court

Judge Slate was born and raised in Markesan and graduated Markesan High School. He received an undergraduate degree from UW-Oshkosh and became a Police Officer in the City of Janesville. He went to Wisconsin Law School and upon graduation went into the practice of law with his father, Bill Slate, in Markesan where he practiced general law. In 2011 he ran for Circuit Court Judge and was elected to serve the citizens of Green Lake County.

Court reporters, although sometimes taken for granted because they are seldom heard or seen, play a critical function in the courtroom. Court reporters take a verbatim transcript of everything that happens in the courtroom.

The Register in Probate oversees the Probate Court. Probate is the court-supervised process for the orderly transfer of a decedent's assets to those who are entitled to them. The process ensures that notice is properly given, that all debts, taxes, and expenses are paid, that the assets are distributed in accordance with the last Will or to the heirs as determined by statute.

The Family Court Commissioner hears all Mediation Screenings, Temporary Orders in divorce cases and Stipulated Divorce Hearings. If you need to contact the Family Court Commissioner you can contact him by mail at the courthouse address, or call.

I. Service of Summons. The Court authorizes service by mail, as allowed under Wis. Stat. 799.12(2) and in eviction proceedings by certified mail as allowed under Wis. Stat. 799.12(3). Contempt proceedings must be personally served.

II. Pleadings. All pleadings shall be in writing. A defendant, or their attorney, may file an Answer, Counterclaim or Affirmative Defense with the Clerk of Court and opposing party at or before the return date, or, if appearing at the return date in person and orally claimed, within 10 calendar days of the return date. Failure to do so may result in a default judgment.

III. Personal Appearance. Parties do need not appear in person at the return date EXCEPT for evictions and contempt proceedings, which they MUST appear in person.